RESEARCH ARTICLE

Bullous Pemphigoid and Cognitive Impairment in Elderly Patients: A Case Report of Two Patients Highlighting the Possible Link with Neurodegeneration

Marika Rizzato, Anna Belfiore, Gerardo Cazzato, Stefania Pugliese, Piero Portincasa 

Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Preventive and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePrev-J), University of Bari, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico

Corresponding Author: Marika Rizzato. Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Preventive and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePrev-J), University of Bari, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico. E-mail: [email protected]

Received: April 25, 2025                                              Published: May 31, 2025

Citation: Rizzato M. Bullous Pemphigoid and Cognitive Impairment in Elderly Patients: A Case Report of Two Patients Highlighting the Possible Link with Neurodegeneration. Int J Complement Intern Med. 2025;6(2): 343–348. DOI: 10. 58349/IJCIM. 2. 6. 2025. 00151

Copyright: ©2025 Rizzato M. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.

Background 

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering disorder, predominantly affecting elderly patients, often in conjunction with neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia. Emerging research suggests a complex and bidirectional relationship between BP and cognitive decline, highlighting the need for deeper exploration into their shared pathophysiology. 

Case Report 

Female, 78 years old, diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, presented with pruritic erythematous-bullous lesions that began on the limbs and later spread to the trunk. Diagnostic tests confirmed BP180-type BP. Treatment with topical steroids and systemic methylprednisolone led to significant improvement, though a flare-up occurred when steroid dosage was reduced. 

Male, 81 years old, diagnosed with mild neurocognitive disorder and Meniere’s syndrome, developed pruritic bullous lesions on both lower limbs, accompanied by fever. Diagnostic process confirmed BP180-BP230-type BP. His condition improved rapidly with betamethasone and methylprednisolone, with no flare-ups upon treatment completion.

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